GALLERY: New York Amp Show 2010

"The Blackface Drive is Hermida Audioуs spin on an overdrive derived from the Fender blackface family. The controls include Volume, Gain, Tone, and Voice. The idea behind this pedal is to provide a player with some overdriven overtones while still allowing the natural sound of the guitar to come through."

"This Louis Electric combo is based on Fenderуs 5E3 Tweed Deluxe, with 6L6 power tubes rather than the traditional 6V6s. The idea behind this amp was to give players more headroom and is designed for medium-sized gigs. The controls include Tone, Volume, and Volume. The speaker in this model is a Celestion G12H30."

"This model shown here is identical to the standard Budda Series II Drive 80, but this one is loaded with EL34 power tubes for a grittier, more high-gain tone."

"The MudShark has a pair of 5881s (cathode biased, push/pull), a pair of 12AX7s, and a 5AR4 rectifier. It pushes about 20 watts and the sound is described as reminiscent of the old Supros, AKA the ""Chicago"" or ""Zep"" sound."

"The MFC-101 Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 is an all-new MIDI foot controller. Designed for studio or stage use, the unit is housed in a high quality steel chassis (15.75"" x 10"" x 3.75""), and features a bright 20-character display, dual-color LEDs, plus 21 on-board switches for bank/preset selection, effect bypass, tap tempo, or any other function that can be controlled via midi. The MFC-101 supports four expression pedals and four switches via rear panel jacks, and an expansion port allows connecting a planned module to increase the onboard switch count to 43. Fractal Audio fans will enjoy a dedicated ""Axe-Fx"" mode, designed for seamless operation with the company's Standard or Ultra Tone/Effects processors."

"The Bludotone Hi-Plains Drifter is a single-channel, 150-watt amplifier with spring reverb designed for the bluesy rock players of the SRV and Eric Johnson school. Bludotoneуs Brandon Montgomery describes the ampуs tone as рgoing from a sparkly, spankinу clean to a medium roar overdrive, but still retaining the guitarуs original tone. Even though the amp is 150 watts, it still produces those overdriven tones at a reasonable volumeи it doesnуt have to be loud, but it sure likes to be loud.с"

"Damian of Probett Guitars describes his models his twisted take on a few of the classics. All of Probettуs guitars are named after vintage European motorcycles. The first is the 25.5с scale International H, with a single-chamber body, under-wound Lollar т50s P-90s and Hipshot trem. The other two models are variations on the Rapide 5.9. The one in the center has a solid carved Honduran mahogany body, Lollar P-90s, a Les Paul-style neck joint and scale length. The other Rapide 5.9 has a Honduran mahogany body, but with a carved maple top, and H┼ussel humbuckers."

"Its packaged in the same venerable 5E3 cabinet as the Unibox and 17 MkIII, the cathode-biased Dominatrix takes its inspiration from the Watkins Dominator series made in England in the '60s and '70s. It features two EL84s, three 12AX7s, and an EZ81 rectifier tube. Also, it has a 2-stage preamp and is followed by a phase inverter."

"The Sommatone Overdrive 75 is handmade and features true point-to-point wiring. It has custom Mercury Magnetics transformers, four 6L6s that are cathode biased, and three 12AX7 preamp tubes (five with Reverb). The controls include blendable Bright and Normal Volume controls, Master Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Presence."

"The Absinthe has a high-powered 30W single-ended power section featuring parallel EL34s. Itуs also compatible with 6V6, 6L6, KT66, KT77, and 5881 power tubes, providing more options for customizing the tone. As with the other Tonic models, it uses a 4-8-16 ohm impedance switch for matching up with a variety of cabs."

"For some guitarists, the Celestion room was heaven on Earth. They loaded several different cabs with their various speakers and had guitarists play through some of the most sought after amps. The amps included [left to right] Komet 19 combo featured a heritage G12H30 with the 55hz cone, Trainwreck Liverpool ""Marge"" was on a Bruno 2x10 with Gold G10s, prototype 4- 6V6 Bruno Cow-tipper head was on a Bruno 2x12 with Gold G12s, Bruno Underground 30 was in a Bruno 2x12 with Alnico Blues, the famous tan EL34 Dumble was on a Heritage G1265 loaded Bruno 2x12, and Trainwreck Express ""Suzanne""яoriginally owned by George Lynchяwas on a Heritage Greenback 20W G12M loaded 4x12."

"The first in the line of Audio Kitchenуs amplifiers, the Little Chopper was created on a need to record with a small amp that still produced AC30-type tones at a sensible volume. It comes with ECC81 and ECC83 preamp tubes and an EL84 power tube. The head can be housed by an exposed wood enclosure or with standard tolex. The controls include Gain, Bottom, Middle, Top, Stack, and Power. Also, it has Brite and Hi switches."

"Built by Aleksander Niemand, the Zagray is a single-channel amp loaded with one 12AY7 and two 12AX7 preamp tubes. The power section has an ECC82 and two 7591 tubes. Both the power and output transformers are custom-wound toroids. The front panel controls are Bottom, Bass Treble, Gain, DipHump, Drive, Crystal, and Volume. Some noteworthy features include the SC/90/HB switch that is used to engage with a particular guitar/pickup configuration to give the tone a distinct voicing. Also, the Dip/Hump control has four positions set at half-octave frequencies."

This is a new take on Reinhardtуs high gain SHG. The 33 comes loaded with two EL34 power tubes and its standard options include power scaling and a built-in effects loop.

"The Tucana 2 is a three-channel amplifier set with a clean channel, and two channels for overdriven tones. It comes loaded with two 6550 power tubes and checks in at 75 rockin' watts. "

"Mahaloуs prototype for the fixed biased Farm40 model, which features 2-EL34 power tubes and a dynamic preamp section for explosive high-gain tones. Mahaloуs Richie Mays says рthe preamp on this amp is great for riding the volume knobи it can really clean up and provide crystal cleans with some volume control and harnessed playing.с"

"Here is Nolatoneуs newest creation, a prototype of the Black Tooth 50. It was literally built a few days before the show. It is the big brother preamp to what is housed currently in the Rotten Johnny. Nolatoneуs Paul Sanders said heуs looking to fill a whole line of Black Tooth heads, including 18W, 22W, 30W, 50W, and 100W. Two noteworthy controls on the prototype are the Stripper Gain and Girlfriend Gainяyouуll have to check out our upcoming demo to hear what those sound like."

"The Sonoma is a 100 watt head featuring four 6L6 or four EL34 power tubes and is based on the famous Bluesmaster and Overdrive amps from the legendary amp builder H.A.D. It comes standard with a 2-button switch for Boost and Channel switching. Several custom features such as Boost Level Control, and Mid Shaping to give the amp a bit wider range of tone choices."

"Caveyуs Creations guitar neck design uses two different pieces of solid wood for the fretboard and neck, which is also connected to wood surrounding the pickups."

"In developing the upcoming Black Tooth, Nolatone couldnуt wait to share its tone so they created the Rotten Johnny. It has two 6V6 (EL84s available upon request) power tubes, two 12AX7 or ECC83 preamp tubes, a Mercury Magnetics transformer, and a 12с 25 watt Warehouse Speaker Green Beret."

"Bob Reinhardt said he built the Talyn as a special request from Mark Knopfler who wanted an amp styled after the Trainwreck Rocket. Powered by a hand picked blend of three 12AX7 preamp tubes, four EL84 power tubes, and a GZ34 rectifier, the ampуs controls are Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Cut, and Presence."

The Dual Lead Series V-Rock head is handcrafted two or three channel amplifierя2-channel amp with Solo Boost or a 3-channel amp with shared EQ on the gain channels. Each channel has its own dedicated circuitry allowing for each channel to be designed & voiced to its maximum tonal potential. It comes loaded with EL34s and five 12AX7/ECC83 preamp tubes.

"Electroplexуs newest amp is a combo with a 6V6 power section and delivers 22 watts of punchy, chimey power with a pinch of tweed. It also features a low-power switch that turns down the power to 12 watts. The front panel controls include: (Channel 1) Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass and (Channel 2) Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass. Universal controls are Presence and Reverb. The combo has a Tone Tubby 40/40 12"" ceramic magnet hemp cone speaker."

"The Vintage 100 has four EL34s, but you can also use four KT66s for their sweet tone, too. The preamp is loaded with three 12AX7s. To keep the у68 feel it features Heyboer power and output transformers that are choke reverse engineered based on the original Drakes."

"This new company showed off two basses and one guitar. Matt рCaveyс Blake says he gets most of his design ideas from his other passion in lifeяhot rod cars. The guitar model is called Nailed is a 25.5с scale with an all maple body and neck with a paudak and yellow heart fretboard. It has a unique neck design in that Blake describes as рnot a neck-thru and not a bolt-on, itуs my version of bothяit really seems to work.с The Low Rider bass has Nordstrand pickups and is built on a 35с scale. Matt also built the guitar stand holding Caveyуs Creations."

"This is Arkуs take on a Trainwreck-style, dual 6V6 amp. The tone is described as chimey, crunchy and punchy all at the same time. Itуs a non-master volume amp with controls including Presence, Power Amp Boost, Bass, Mid, Treble, and Preamp Boost."

"This Marshall 4x12 is loaded with four different Jensen speakers (clockwise) яthe P12N, Mod 12/70, C12N and Neo 12/100. The P12N is a 50-watt speaker said to have a very warm and full-bodied tone with powerful mid-bite and sparkling highs. When presented with overdrive distortion, it displays a bright and colorful crunch. The Mod 12/70 is a 70-watt speaker that is loud, dynamic, and well defined. The 50-watt C12N has a smooth, straightforward and full-bodied tone with high frequency chime. The 100 watt Neo 12/100 is smooth and clear. It handles overdrive distortion with a well-balanced and detailed tightness."

"Brown Noteуs DуLite ODR 100 is a 100-watt reverb head. Brown Noteуs Moss Hudson describes the amp saying рthe clean channel is designed for high headroom, and tight low-end response, making it suitable for loud clean tones with high output pickups providing an excellent pedal platform. The overdrive channel is voiced for tight, dynamic, smooth overdrive tones.с?It includes an FX loop, tube driven spring reverb circuit, and 3-function foot switch, as well as a back-panel mounted overdrive gain trimmer that sets the amount of overdrive that can be dialed in or out via the front panel controls. It also includes a 3-way bright switch, Deep switch, and Fat/Lean switch."

"The Pigtronix Philosopher King is a polyphonic amplitude synthesizer that combines compression/sustainer circuit from the Philosopherуs Tone with a next generation envelope generator. The Philosopher King takes tone several steps further with a full set of Synthesizer style ADSR controls including hold Level, Release Time, One-Shot Mode, Selectable Auto Reset, and expression pedals for Swell and Fade times."

"On the far left is Sweetwoodуs Rock-Rite model complete with their custom surftop. It has a 2-bolt neck construction with a pau ferro fingerboard, EVO fret wire, and two P-90s. The other three are different takes on Sweetwoodуs Comet. The Cometуs models are Standard, Surftop, Custom and Signatures, which are one-off guitars and feature specific appointments."

"Alfonso Hermidaуs heaviest pedal yet, the Tiki Drive was requested by Elliot Easton [The Cars] to give players an aggressive option when paired with cleaner amps. It covers the spectrum from a clean with a growl all the way up to a metal tone. The British-flavored pedalуs controls are Volume, Gain 1, Gain 2 [gain stages are in series], Tone, and Voice. "

"The TZZ-1H Overdrive is a 17-watt cathode bias head with foot switchable overdrive and has the following tube complement: 12DW7, 12AX7, 12AT7, 12AX7 and 2-EL84s. The front panel layout is Master Volume, Cut, Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Sustain, Drive, Pre-Amp Gain, and Input."

"The Goodsell Valpreaux is 21-watt combo inspired by certain Valco, Supro, and Gretsch combos of the '60s. It features the relatively obscure 6973 power tube that imparts a different sonic signature from the EL84-based models that comprise the bulk of the Goodsell product line. The Valpreaux has a simplified front-end similar to the Super 17, with the same award-winning tremolo and non-intrusive reverb, as well as an ultra-transparent post-phase inverter master volume."

"The Studio 2 is a full-featured 2-watt head with a matching 1x10 extension cabinet. The Studio 2 features controls for Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence and Master Volume. Bober says that the amp's features give it a versatile tone that can go from clean to near-metal, hitting Pete Townshend and Larry Carlton-style sounds in between. The amp has a 5U4 rectifier, three 12AX7s and two 12AT7s in a push/pull configuration, making it ""sound huge at 2 watts."" "

"The Two Notes Torpedo VB-101 is a rackmount solution for studio, live and practice problems of micуing speaker cabinets. The Torpedo VB-101 replaces the usual micуing process by a powerful simulation of the speaker cabinet, the microphone, the microphone preamplifier, and the studio acoustic environment. The micуing process then takes place silently, with perfect control over the most important parametersяchoice of speaker cabinet among many models, choice of microphone, placement of the microphone around the cabinet."

"This is Chihoe Hahnуs first take on a bass. The model he showcased at the show had a 2-piece swamp ash body, 2-piece maple neck, a 100% nitro lacquer finish in butterscotch blond, and is loaded with a single Fralin у51 P-bass-style pickup."

Ark Amps gave the world its first glimpse at Arkуs first adventure to the low-end with this wild single-channel bass head.

"The Little Booger is 12-watt head with a pair of 6AQ5s, a pair of 12AX7s, and an EZ81 rectifier. The Little Booger is a cathode biased, push/pull amp. It has lots of rich harmonics and plenty of gain."

"Audio Kitchenуs two-channel Big Chopper is the bigger, bulkier brother to the Little Chopper. The first channel controls are Gain, Bottom, Middle, Top, Stack, and the second channel controls are Gain, Bottom, and Top. It has a Power control for both channels. The Power when turned full clockwise it behaves like a standard non-master volume amp, but as the continuously variable control is wound counterclockwise, it decreases the headroom of the power amp, introducing harmonic distortion in the power amp and reducing the volume. This particular model is currently in the studio with Kings of Leon lead guitarist Matt Followill. Look closely and you can see a few switches with Mattуs name on them as they are his preferred tones/settings."

Chris Kies has degrees in Journalism and History from the University of Iowa and has been with PG dating back to his days as an intern in 2007. He maintains the website and social media, occasionally writes an artist feature, regularly hosts Rig Rundowns, and shoots/edits video for NAMM show coverage. Other than that, he spends time with his pitbull and enjoys non-guitar-related hobbies.

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